Whether Jacques Chapdelaine returns as Alouettes’ head coach next season, indeed whether this team wins another game, seems inconsequential at this juncture. With one drastic, yet well-orchestrated, move on Monday, Chapdelaine displayed the intestinal fortitude required for the position moving forward.

Montreal’s interim head coach, following three games on the job, decided this team no longer could function with receivers Duron Carter and Kenny Stafford. Perhaps of more significance, he persuaded general manager Jim Popp of as much. Popp, who has had the final say on all personnel matters during his two decades with the team — and the man responsible for signing both players last winter as high-priced free agents — then decided to release both rather than placing them on the six-game injured list.

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Rakeem Cato looks for a receiver during second half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016.Jeff McIntosh /
THE CANADIAN PRESS

Popp was the Als’ head coach for the first 12 games this year, of which Montreal lost nine. In supporting Chapdelaine, the argument could be made Popp also has admitted it was a mistake signing both. We also can state this much with a degree of certainty — if Chapdelaine’s going down, he’s going to make sure it’s on his own terms.

Chapdelaine also claimed it’s his decision to start rookie quarterback Vernon Adams Saturday afternoon, when the Als travel to Saskatchewan, benching Rakeem Cato in the process — although it was Popp who traded a first-round draft choice to British Columbia last May for the rights to Adams. With the Als at 4-11, the Lions could well have the first overall pick next year.

While Carter departs as the Als’ leading receiver — he has 61 catches for 938 yards and five touchdowns — he was held without a reception Saturday at Calgary, along with Stafford, his cousin. Carter, the Canadian Football League’s highest-paid receiver, earning $250,000, hasn’t produced a 100-yard effort since Aug. 19, at Ottawa.

Carter was fined and suspended this year after knocking over Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell. He and Stafford also were involved in two highly visible shouting matches during practice with Cato, which were embarrassing to the organization.

Carter clearly was frustrated trying to function in the Als’ dysfunctional offensive system. “The level of frustration he experienced at times was difficult to hide. It was perceived, either through body language or other actions,” Chapdelaine told the Montreal Gazette by telephone from Calgary — the team is staying out west this week for practice.

“I don’t know if Saturday’s game was the last straw, but it gave me answers to my questions and my thought process when I reflected on the situation,” Chapdelaine continued.

One of the first things Chapdelaine complained about following the 22-8 loss to the Stampeders, was a lack of effort from some players whom he didn’t identify. Former Montreal cornerback Davis Sanchez, who was doing radio analysis, said the “body language and effort” from both receivers was “inconceivable” in such a meaningful game.

While the Als remain mathematically alive for the final playoff berth in the East Division, they would have to win their three remaining games while hoping both Hamilton and Toronto continue losing. The Tiger-Cats can clinch that spot with a win or tie at Ottawa this week.

Both players were notified of Chapdelaine’s decision early Monday morning. Both later were advised of their releases. Carter, still in Calgary Monday night, said he didn’t see it coming. He said he believed he was being summoned to a team leaders meeting at 7 a.m., only to find nobody but Chapdelaine present.

“The reason he gave me was the offence wasn’t going to be featuring me. I would be frustrated playing and there was no point in my playing,” Carter told the Montreal Gazette.

Carter, for not the first time this season, reiterated he wasn’t a distraction. Nor was he more selfish than any other receiver. “I feel like all my teammates liked me,” he said before offering a parting shot. “I’m pretty sure, when the season ends, all this stuff will come out, what was going on with the offence. I’m not too worried.

“I’m on to bigger and better things.”

Stafford returned to the Als this season after winning a Grey Cup with Edmonton in 2015. Although he missed six games with a fractured toe, he caught only 16 passes for 215 yards while scoring two touchdowns. He was held without a reception in two of the last four games.

But the biggest condemnation against Stafford came late Saturday, after the Als scored their only touchdown with 16 seconds remaining in the game. Montreal attempted a two-point convert — but Stafford didn’t realize he needed to be on the field. Instead, he was in the midst of a conversation with spectators in the stands, Chapdelaine said.

While the Als — $300,000 over the salary cap according to league sources — will save some money with these moves, both players already have received the bulk of their contracts. Both can sign with other CFL teams, but would be ineligible to be activated for games until 2017. They’ll be replaced by Marcus Henry and Tiquan Underwood, both on the practice roster. Both have CFL experience.

Cato, meanwhile, has displayed repeated skittish behaviour, leading members of the organization to wonder whether he has the mental strength to be a starting quarterback.

“I’ve had conversations with Rakeem as well in terms of his behaviour,” Chapdelaine said. “I think Rakeem has done some good things. At the same time I believe the pressure of the environment is very difficult for a young QB. Were those outbursts a result of that pressure and, am I better to alleviate some of that pressure by removing Rakeem from such a hot spot?”

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